Verdict

A rather unsatisfactory race for the first English Classic of the season but the much-vaunted CAMELOT narrowly managed to justify favouritism so there has to be some merit to the form. The field split into three groups shortly after the start with four racing on the far side, three down the middle and the remainder towards the stands' rail. The winner was well in rear in the latter grouping and managed to weave a passage through from two furlongs out before getting on top of French Fifteen close home. This obviously was not the demolition job some were expecting from the next Ballydoyle flying machine but he still showed high level of talent to come out on top and score on sticky ground that probably did not suit. Aidan O'Brien was about as committal as he ever gets in terms of future plans, suggesting that the Epsom Derby looks the right race for him. He is no bigger than 5/4 and odds-on in places and at this stage, very much sets the standard to shoot at over the next month. The runner-up came with a strong late burst from the distance but was just outbattled but lost little in defeat. He has yet to finish outside the first two and he could be aimed at either the French Derby or the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Hermival led the group home on the far side ahead of Coupe De Ville, the latter looking to be suited by the return to a mile. Craven winner Trumpet Major has no heirs and graces but is tough, professional and will always be competitive as he settles in his races. Always to the fore, he tried to kick for home on the run to two out but was soon swallowed up. He will win more races at a lower grade. Fencing had been well beaten by the winner in last season's Racing Post Trophy and was further behind on this occasion but did stay on quite takingly without ever really threatening. The rock-hard Caspar Netscher joined the main group having raced in the middle of the track and was right in the firing line entering The Dip. But his stamina seemed to give out and he will be better back at seven furlongs and now throws his hat into the ring for something like the Jersey Stakes. Born To Sea and Top Offer were both expected to make an impact but the former pulled too hard early on while James Doyle reported that the easy ground was too much for Top Offer. It would be no surprise to see both bounce back at a later stage. Abtaal dropped away on the far side inside the final furlong as Power brought up the rear with Talwar - the former never got in it at any stage while Talwar had little hope of keeping up the gallop having blazed down the middle for six furlongs.